When to plant Ageratum in Androscoggin County, ME
Plant Ageratum in Androscoggin County after May 8; the prime window is May 15–June 5.
When to Plant Ageratum in Androscoggin County, ME
This month in Androscoggin County, Maine
Your garden in Androscoggin County, Maine is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this August.
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Bring in the ageratum
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Before September arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: ageratum
Ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum), the floss flower, produces clusters of fluffy, powder-puff blooms in the rare sky-blue and lavender tones difficult to find among warm-season annuals. Compact mounding habit makes it ideal as a front-of-border edging plant. Blooms from early summer through fall with minimal deadheading; heat and humidity tolerant once established.
Androscoggin County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 1,087 feet, Androscoggin County receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Ageratum during the growing season.
Androscoggin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Ageratum Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Androscoggin County
How your county's soil matches Ageratum's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.4) is more acidic than Ageratum prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Androscoggin County is excellent for Ageratum — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Ageratum.
How to Plant Ageratum
Succession Planting Ageratum
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 23 to harvest before frost.
Ageratum Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Ageratum
Ageratum needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Ageratum Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Androscoggin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Ageratum Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Ageratum Planting Timeline — Androscoggin County, ME
Ageratum Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Bloom | July 10 | Jul 10 – Oct 9 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Androscoggin County
Growing Tips for Ageratum in Androscoggin County
Direct sow Ageratum outdoors after May 08 in Androscoggin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Ageratum in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost — do not cover seed; it needs light to germinate. Can be direct-sown after last frost once soil warms to 60°F. Transplant or thin to proper spacing after frost danger passes. Deadheading isn't strictly required but tidying spent clusters improves appearance. Provide consistent moisture; drought causes premature setting. Avoid deep shade — blooms best in full sun to light afternoon shade.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Ageratum in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Ageratum in Androscoggin County, ME?
Androscoggin County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Ageratum planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Androscoggin County, ME?
Androscoggin County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Ageratum in Androscoggin County, ME?
In Androscoggin County, ME, plant Ageratum after the last frost (around May 8) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Androscoggin County, ME for Ageratum?
Androscoggin County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Ageratum grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ageratum grow in Androscoggin County's climate?
Yes — Ageratum grows well in Androscoggin County's temperate climate. Androscoggin County averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 8 and first frost around October 6.
Your Androscoggin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Androscoggin County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.